Adhesive capsulitis is the medical name for the condition most people know as frozen shoulder. This condition causes severe pain in the shoulder, and the pain often seems to run down the arm to the upper arm and elbow. Also, the shoulder typically stiffens, and it’s harder to move it. In some cases, frozen shoulder is caused by an injury like shoulder dislocation, but it can also appear seemingly without any reason at all. If you’re dealing with frozen shoulder pain down the arm and other symptoms, two physical therapy techniques may offer some relief.
1. Electrical stimulation
One therapy method a physical therapist can use to treat frozen shoulder pain down the arm is electrical stimulation. This technique uses electrode pads and a special machine to send low-power electrical charges into the painful shoulder and arm. Doctors aren’t positive how the electrical charges help reduce pain. One theory is that the electrical charge interrupts the pain signals being sent to the shoulder from the brain. Therapists use electrical stimulation with the intention of reducing your pain for a time. Often, this pain reduction makes it easier to perform other helpful therapy techniques.
2. Joint mobilization
Another technique that can be used to treat frozen shoulder pain down the arm is joint mobilization. Frozen shoulder gets its name from the fact that the shoulder becomes almost immobile. When people do try to move their shoulder, they often experience excruciating pain in the first stage of this condition. Most people stop moving their shoulder as much in response to this pain, but the lack of movement can actually tighten up the shoulder muscles and other soft tissue even more. In turn, this can lead to even more pain.
Using joint mobilization, a physical therapist performs hands-on movements to help loosen up the shoulder joint. These movements are passive, which means that the therapist will use the power of their arms and hands to move your arm and shoulder without your help. The movements used on your shoulder are designed to increase range of motion. They can also help decrease tension in shoulder and arm muscles as well as decreasing your pain.
Panther Physical Therapy offers treatment for frozen shoulder pain down the arm
Patients dealing with frozen shoulder pain down the arm can find treatment at Panther Physical Therapy. Our team has experience treating many shoulder injuries and conditions, and we offer free screenings to help figure out how your condition is affecting you. Using this information, we can then build you a personalized treatment plan, and this plan may include therapy techniques such as:
- Electrical stimulation
- Therapeutic exercise
- Joint mobilization
- McKenzie Method
Don’t wait any longer to get our help with your shoulder issue. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.